Bible Readings: March 12-18

Faith Bible Readings 2018

At Faith Baptist Fellowship, we Love God’s Word and Prayer (Ephesians 6:17-18)! Take the ‘sword of the Spirit’ (God’s Word) and persevere in prayer! In this year, ask God each day to speak directly to you from the Scripture portions you read.

Our plan for 2018 will be taken from the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan. Monday-Saturday we will focus on one main devotional passage; the additional readings will keep you on track to finish the entire Bible in one year. On Sunday, we will have a passage from the upcoming Sunday sermon along with questions for Faith Group discussion.

We suggest having a notebook and pen for answering questions and recording your thoughts/insights. Bring this notebook with you to Faith Group for discussions and prayer times. Select a quiet place and consistent time to read and pray.

MONDAY, MARCH 12

TAI: If we go on living in sin, as if it doesn’t matter, enslaved to it, what will the outcome be? On the other hand, if we walk in obedience, it is evidence that our heart has been changed by God, and we are “slaves of righteousness.” The outcome of living this way: Sanctification. What is the end of sanctification? V. 23 is often memorized to aid in sharing the gospel—do you know it by heart? Which path are you on: the road to sanctification by God’s grace leading to eternal life with God; or enslavement to sin leading to death and separation from God? It’s the all-important question!

PP: Undoubtedly you know people who are enslaved to sin and on the road to eternal death apart from Christ. Pray for their salvation! Pray that they come to understand that “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life.” Ask God to help you by his Holy Spirit to walk in the obedience of faith, moving forward in sanctification toward your eternal home with Jesus. “Father, since I am no longer under the law, but under grace, by grace enable me to live a righteous life, pleasing to you and impacting others to the glory of God.”

TUESDAY, MARCH 13

TAI: Paul uses the marriage bond as an illustration: what is he illustrating? Reflect for a while on the two ways to live: trying hard to obey the written code of the law, on the one hand, and being free from the law by Jesus to live by the Spirit of God on the other. Are you “trying harder” or “walking by the Spirit?” Do you think most people grasp this vital distinction? Yet the law is strategically important—why? What is the role of the law in God’s plan?

PP: Inferred from Paul’s illustration is that the marriage bond is lifelong and permanent. If married, pray for your marriage. If not married, pray for others to be faithful and true in their marriages. Thank God for giving us the law, so that we are confronted with the reality of our sin and our need for a Savior. Thank God also for setting us free through Christ from “law-keeping and trying harder” and instead giving us freedom to walk by the Holy Spirit. (Tomorrow’s reading continues this crucial theme.)

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14

TAI: This “wretched man that I am” portion of Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of the most discussed and debated in the entire Bible. The issue is whether Paul is here discussing the struggle of believers or unbelievers. A good study Bible (such as the ESVSB) could help you think through the alternatives. Do you personally resonate with the struggle described in these verses (such as in v. 15)? Do you think Paul is here describing our fight with indwelling sin, or that he is describing the pre-Christian’s helplessness in the spiritual battle with sin? Either way, the GOOD NEWS is the gospel of Jesus Christ—see v. 25. Thanks be to God for Jesus!

PP: Acknowledge to God your personal struggle with sin. Thank him for freedom through Christ—rejoice in the good news of the gospel! Preach the gospel to yourself today, and be blessed!

THURSDAY, MARCH 15

TAI: The chapter opens with a marvelous truth statement. Why is there no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus? (Hint: that’s what this section explains. You might want to make two columns—one of “the flesh” and one of “the Spirit” to see the contrast between the two.) Who are the children of God? How are we adopted into God’s family through Christ? You are God’s heir! Meditate on that great promise for a while.

PP: There is so much to be thankful for in this portion of Scripture! Pray through the verses, praising and thanking God for each spiritual benefit. No condemnation! Adopted into God’s family! God’s own heir! “Father, I turn my back on life in the flesh, and through faith in Jesus Christ, rejoice that as a child of God I can live my life in the Holy Spirit! Thank you for this life-altering good news. Hallelujah! Amen.”

FRIDAY, MARCH 16

TAI: Suffering—not a happy subject but a worthwhile one in light of the challenges of life. What gives the believer hope in the midst of suffering? What evidence do you see of creation “groaning” and being subject to futility? Do you find it hard to wait patiently in hope for our final redemption and the glory to come? How does the Holy Spirit help us in our suffering and waiting? Have you ever memorized vv. 28-30? What a statement of confidence and faith in the face of suffering. Meditate on “all things” in v. 32. Who are God’s elect? What can separate you from the love of God in Christ?

PP: There is so MUCH here in this passage! So much promise, so much truth, so much hope to bank on—no wonder they call it “the Great Eight!” Pray through each verse. Personalize each statement and promise. Make it your own. Are you suffering? Struggling to wait patiently for glory? Tell the Father, and pray these precious truths and promises back to him. Nothing can separate me….

SATURDAY, MARCH 17

TAI: Now Paul turns his attention to Israel, his anguish at their unbelief and his heart for them to be saved. Their inheritance is so grand, and yet most rejected Jesus Christ, God’s greatest gift and their Messiah. According to vv. 6-8, it is not ethnicity that counts but rather faith in God’s promise. Ultimately, whether a Jew or a Gentile, it is God’s electing love, God’s choice, who shall be saved (ponder vv. 14-18). This is difficult truth (v. 16; 18). But the point Paul is making is clear: that God is merciful to anyone is gracious and kind of him! What is our part? To believe the gospel!

PP: Humble yourself before the Lord and pray through this passage, asking God to give you understanding of its truth. Thank God for giving you the gift of faith to believe in Jesus and be saved. Pray for a great harvest of souls all over the world, among both Jews and Gentiles! Pray for those on your Sacred 7 list: “O God, my heart’s desire and prayer is that they would be saved!” To the extent that we don’t fully understand the intersection of God’s sovereignty and our human will, we bend the knee to God and worship him and bask in the wonder of his mercy to us.

SUNDAY, MARCH 18

TAI & PP: On this Sunday, a day of rest and worship for God’s people, we ponder the importance and necessity of entering into our Heavenly Father’s rest and the danger for those who do not enter. What is the “rest” referred to here? How does one enter into it? What is the concern for those who do not enter into it?

As we are leading now into Easter, tell the Lord how much you look forward to your eternal rest in the new heavens and the new earth! Thank him for Jesus, who died for us and rose from the dead so that we too can have resurrection life and eternal rest.

Committed to:

Biblically faithful ministry that honors God

Providing a welcoming, loving and hospitable atmosphere

Making disciples of Jesus Christ and equipping them for growth and service

Being a vibrant, healthy family of Christ-like believers proclaiming a cross-centered gospel, living cross-centered lives